How Gaming Affects Our Dreams

Gaming Affects Our Dreams – Playing While Dreaming

The first thing I think of when I contemplate how gaming affects our dreams is that both my husband and I have played video games in our dreams. Sometimes we are a character in the game but often we are just playing the video game and coming up with new ideas and strategies. For example I love playing Sims 3 on my PC and if I play a lot before I go to bed, I find myself planning new houses and families and playing with the families I already have. My second child doesn’t seem to remember her dreams but with how obsessed she is with Mario and Plants vs Zombies I can only imagine she has had a dream or two about them.

Gaming Affects Our Dreams – Influencing Our Dreams

I watched an interesting video from GameSpot called Can Gaming Change the Way You Dream?. At first I thought they were referring to dreaming about gaming but that’s not what it is about. The host discusses how gaming and dreaming are similar and how being a gamer, especially a hardcore gamer can affect how you dream. Studies have shown that male hardcore gamers tend to have LESS nightmares for example. It also talks about lucid dreaming and shifting viewpoints. It’s very interesting and not too long of a video. I’ve included it below so you can watch it here.

I looked around the web and found this topic being discussed elsewhere both recently and years ago. An article on The Verge discusses the same psychologist who is referred to in the GameSpot video.

Your Turn

I’d like to hear from you now. First of all, have you ever played games in your sleep? Only video games or other types of games too? Secondly did you watch the video? Either way, do you think gamers might have differences in their dreams from non gamers?

Comments

I agree, my boys are video game junkies, it’s something I have to monitor especially because they are younger. I do believe that if violent games are played then behavioral issues could occur even with any child.

I’m not a big “gamer.” I usually only play something quick on my phone like Bejeweled or Dots. But, my daughter adores her video games and has said many times how she’s planning her next move in her sleep. I find it interesting that their study suggests fewer nightmares for men. I wonder what a study would say about girls?

that is such an interesting video. I never thought about that before. I used to be a VERY hardcore gamer. so I found it quite fascinating. I have had those lucid dreams that they talk about and being able to take control of dreams. It is interesting that it would be different from those who don’t game.

I had a chance to watch the video and because I’m involved with a hardcore gamer, it was SUPER interesting! He has actually told me about some of the dreams he’s had and in a lot of them he does lucid dream.

I on the other hand am a non-gamer and I do experience lucid dreaming often, but I never really ‘take control’; I just think to myself, ‘Hey, this is probably a dream,’ and continue to think that for the duration of the dream.

As for nightmares, I barely, if at all, get them. Once in a blue moon thankfully!

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